Australia’s Federal Court ordered Apple to allow competing app stores, direct app downloads and alternative payment services for users whose Apple Account region is Australia, with the changes taking effect at noon Melbourne time on March 1, 2027.
The orders follow the court’s August 2025 finding that Apple misused its market power by restricting app distribution and payment options. Apple Developer Program members worldwide will be able to participate under the new regime.
Apple’s obligations
Apple must let users find, download, install and update apps through competing marketplaces and websites without charging for access or obstructing their use. Developers must receive the necessary tools on substantially the same terms as for App Store distribution, and Apple cannot penalize them for using competing stores or payment services.
Developers may offer alternative payments and link to other ways to pay, including within App Store apps. Apple cannot require developers to offer its own purchasing system alongside alternatives, cannot require developers to report those transactions, and cannot demand the right to audit them. Developers may offer lower prices through competing payment services without Apple preventing them.
Payments and fees
The ruling limits Apple’s ability to collect fees on such purchases. Apple cannot charge for purchases made through alternative payment services or websites in apps distributed outside the App Store. For App Store apps, fees are capped at the equivalent charge for payments for physical goods or services, plus any genuine, reasonable additional costs Apple incurs for digital purchases.
Apple also cannot condition alternative distribution on developers offering content purchased elsewhere through its own payment system.
Security, app removal and preinstallation
Security checks will remain. Apps downloaded outside the App Store must undergo an automated security or privacy scan and be notarized by Apple or a qualified third party. Apple cannot impose disproportionate installation barriers or otherwise obstruct alternative distribution. Any additional security requirements for competing payments must be necessary and proportionate, and developers must be given an explanation in advance.
Apple may remove or disable externally installed apps only in specified cases involving harmful content, genuine security risks, or legal requirements. The court order prevents Apple from banning third-party apps or alternative app stores from being preinstalled on iPhones, but Apple is not required to distribute competing stores through the App Store.
Timing and Apple’s response
The changes take effect at noon Melbourne time on March 1, 2027. Apple may apply between February 1 and February 15, with supporting evidence, for a court-approved extension until May 3. Apple said it plans to appeal the ruling and ask the court to pause its enforcement, citing its intellectual property rights and App Store security.
